Tracey, Lancaster hangar, May 2006.
©Copyright. Photo: Tracey Smiley

Tracey is the Australian member of the Sponsor Group. She initially joined the CAF's Ghost Squadron Associate program in 1979, and became a full member in 1984. The interest in the Corsair developed at an early age watching the TV series Baa Baa Blacksheep. Tracey's other favorite aircraft is the Supermarine Mark I Spitfire, as was widely utilised during the Battle of Britain. Aviation interests also extends to some larger helicopters, with the Bell 222 being a favorite.

Tracey also has a keen historic interest in some small arms weaponry, particularly WWII-era U.S. Infantry, including the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) Model M1918A2, and Thompson Model M1928A1 sub-machine gun (SMG).

After 18 years in Flight Dispatch and Air Traffic Services, in both the United States & Australia, Tracey joined the Australian airline QANTAS in 2001, and works in Flight Technical (a division of Flight Operations), specifically on the company's Boeing 747-400, 747-400ER and 767-300ER fleets, based out of the company’s headquarters in Sydney. Tracey is involved in ongoing project work that covers all QANTAS fleets.

Tracey developed, and now maintains and compiles all the information for the Corsair's website. Tracey also compiles feature articles and publicity material for the Corsair Sponsor Group (including the group's newsletter). When in the United States Tracey also works as support crew for the Corsair.

The beautiful H.A.R.S. Lockheed Super Constellation.
©Copyright. Photo: Tracey Smiley

Returning to the United States as often as she can, one of Tracey's many ongoing roles is to continue research into our Corsair's history, a painstaking but rewarding task. She maintains close ties with other Corsair operators and organizations around the world, and responds regularly to queries from Corsair enthusiasts, photographers, journalists and writers.

In Australia, during 1996 she sponsored the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society's (H.A.R.S.) airworthy Lockheed Super Constellation. Although Tracey remains a member of H.A.R.S. (and has been since 1994), her heavy workload at QANTAS and other commitments in more recent times have left Tracey with little time to directly contribute to H.A.R.S., apart from rare special occasions.

Tracey is a lifetime member of both the British-based Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane Society (since 1985), and the Battle of Britain Historical Society (since 2000), and assisted British author David Ross on the second edition of his biography on Australian-born Battle of Britain Spitfire ace Flying Officer Richard Hillary, RAF 603 Squadron.

She has also volunteered her time extensively on QANTAS historical assignments including the Boeing 707-138B preservation project, and is involved in continuing project/research work for Graham Hosking's F4U-5N Corsair (Bu # 124493) being restored to flying status in Australia.

(Left) QANTAS Founders Museum Boeing 707-138B, VH-XBA (the former VH-EBA), on arrival in Sydney, Australia, following her 8 day journey home, from Southend, England, December 16, 2006.
©Copyright. Photo: Sam Chui, via Tracey Smiley

(Below) The unique registration plate on Tracey's car in Sydney, Australia, reflects her favourite model of the Corsair, the Chance Vought F4U-1A.
©Copyright. Photo: Tracey Smiley